'Born of Rebellion' exhibit available

November 28, 2012

The West Virginia Humanities Council is making the traveling exhibit "Born of Rebellion: West Virginia Statehood" available to organizations for two-week periods to observe the 150th anniversary of the state's formation.

The circumstances of the creation of West Virginia remain unique in American history. Questions arose as to the constitutionality of the process and even as to whether the new state should be dissolved once Virginia was restored to the Union. The issues involved in West Virginia's birth still engage people far beyond the state's borders - providing material for a C-SPAN debate and lengthy article in the California Law Review.

"Born of Rebellion" examines the constitutional questions surrounding the statehood process. Exhibit viewers can vote on whether or not they think the creation of our state was in compliance with the constitution.

The exhibit originally toured the state for two years, starting in 2006, when it received a Leadership in History Award from the American Association for State and Local History. It is once again available for loan to historical groups, museums, cultural organizations and other interested venues for a minimum display period of two weeks. There is no charge for the exhibit which consists of three freestanding triangular kiosks. Since its tour of 26 state venues in 2006 and 2007, "Born of Rebellion" has been redone, using updated display materials and cases. Display dates for 2013 are now being filled and interested groups should contact the Humanities Council about booking the exhibit.

Call the West Virginia Humanities Council at (304) 346-8500 for information on the availability of "Born of Rebellion."